Drip Fertigation In Apple Orchards: Impact on Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient Distribution In Relation to Soil Texture

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of drip fertigation on soil chemical properties and vertical\xa0 distribution of nutrient in the root zone of three apple orchards planted on soils with different textures (loam, clay loam\xa0 and sandy loam). The fertigation led to a significant decrease in soil pH, concentration of calcium carbonate (CaCO3)\xa0 and organic carbon (C). Changes of these parameters were more pronounced in sandy loam soil than in loam and clay\xa0 loam. Fine textured soils (loam and clay loam) had higher accumulation of available forms of P, K, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu in\xa0 the surface layer at 0-10 cm depth, compared to sandy loam soil. The results showed that, despite numerous advantages,\xa0 drip system of fertigation can lead to negative changes of soil properties and that the sandy loam soils are more exposed,\xa0 but in the same time more suitable for fertigation due to better vertical distribution of nutrients in a soil profile compared\xa0 to loam and clay loam.